1 Establish justice for me, God!
Argue my case against ungodly people!
Rescue me from the dishonest and unjust!
2 Because you are my God, my protective fortress!
Why have you rejected me?
Why do I have to walk around,
sad, oppressed by enemies?
3 Send your light and truth—those will guide me!
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
4 Let me come to God’s altar—
let me come to God, my joy, my delight—
then I will give you thanks with the lyre,
God, my God!
5 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed?
Why are you so upset inside?
Hope in God!
Because I will again give him thanks,
my saving presence and my God.
Reflection
In moments of difficulty, keeping hope alive is challenging; yet Psalm 43 reminds us that faith can be the anchor that holds us steady. We are constantly bombarded by negativity and worry, filling our emotional cups to the brim and leaving limited room to nurture ourselves and our relationships. If we intentionally turn our focus toward God and away from the trials and tribulations of the world, we can find strength to endure and hope for a better tomorrow.
I see this chaos unfold (albeit on a smaller scale) often in daily life, especially as someone who works with employees to help manage and resolve conflict. Misunderstandings and arguments are an unfortunate consequence of our daily interactions, even with the best of intentions. When in the midst of a trial, I find myself reminded of the importance of empathy and patience in taking conflict and turning it into opportunity.
When was the last time you felt frustration dealing with another person? Was it a coworker, family member, friend, or someone else? Take a few moments to think about the interaction, find your inner prayerful center, and invite God to fill the relationship with love and unity.
by Thomas Hoskinson
For Pondering and Prayer
Seeking refuge in God in difficult times is an excellent skill to refine through life. I posit that we go even further and not only seek refuge in God but also pray for those with whom we argue and quarrel. Remember that it is easy to love those who love us, and we are challenged to show godly love for all people (Matthew 5:46-48). Be reinvigorated to love wholeheartedly with the knowledge of your salvation, and pray with me!
Prayer: Lord, please grant me the inspiration to seek your presence when I am struggling. Heal this world of what ails it, and provide me with my daily sustenance so that today and all days I can work to further your Kin-dom on earth. Please forgive me for the times that I misstep, and accept my thanks for your unfailing grace that restores me each time I fall. I pray that I may show the same love and forgiveness to others that you have so generously shown to me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
